UNM Soccer/Track Complex

2005 UNM Soccer Complex Video

The University of New Mexico men's and women's soccer programs begin their 10th season at the UNM Soccer Complex. The complex received $200,000 worth of renovations over the summer of 2001, including 1,300 cubic yards of brand new Bermuda Grass turf. The lush playing surface was installed over a special five-inch layer of tilled earth consisting of 75 percent sand and 25 percent soil. In addition, the crown of the field was substantially reduced and six new irrigation drains were installed.

In the second phase of construction, the men's and women's soccer locker rooms underwent dramatic renovations, including new lockers, carpeting and floor tiling, upgraded shower facilities and a redesigned lighting and ceiling structure. The new and improved locker rooms now provide both visiting and home teams with professional style accommodations.

This season, the UNM Soccer Complex, complete with lights and five-year old scoreboard, will be the site of five women's night games and four day contests. The men's team will play six night games and five day contests. The complex, adjacent to University Stadium, where the Lobos played in 1995, has a seating capacity of 5,000 and features nearby locker rooms for both teams. Located 5,335 feet above sea level, the complex serves as the home for Lobo Track & Field in the spring.

"Our facilities here at UNM compare to any in the country. The field is outstanding, the weight room and training room are both excellent and they're all supported by a top-notch staff. The players love training and competing in this environment." - New Mexico Head Coach Kit Vela

The Lobo men's soccer team has put up some impressive numbers under head coach Jeremy Fishbein. In his four seasons at the helm of Lobo soccer, UNM has amassed a 31-2-3 record at the UNM Soccer Complex. The Lobo men have an all-time record of 59-25-5 at the UNM Soccer Complex.

The Lobo men have hosted four NCAA Tournament games at the UNM Soccer Complex and are undefeated in those matches. UNM defeated Portland, 4-1, in the second round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament. In 2005, New Mexico downed Wisconsin-Milwuakee on penalty-kicks in the second round. The Lobos also defeated Cal State Northridge in overtime, 1-0 in the third round. A sold out crowd of 5,600 saw the Lobos defeat Cal, 1-0 in overtime in the quarterfinals, sending UNM to its first ever College Cup. An average of 4,364 fans have attened the Lobos' four NCAA Tournament home games.

Adjacent to the UNM Soccer Complex and L.F. "Tow" Diehm facility is spacious Robertson Field, which serves as the training center for the men's and women's soccer teams.

The lush Bermuda grass playing surface at the UNM Soccer Complex is carefully cut and treated before each game by UNM's sports turf specialists. The crew then applies the trademark cherry-red paw, welcoming fans and players to Lobo Country.

Both the UNM Men's and Women's Programs ranked in the top-5 in national attendance for the 2005 season. The Lobo men led the nation in attendance, averaging a new NCAA record with 3,629 fans per game.

2005 NCAA Men's Soccer Attendance Leaders

2005 NCAA Women's Soccer Attendance Leaders

Great Friends of UNM Track Stadium

Located 5,335 feet above sea level, the Great Friends of University of New Mexico Track Stadium has been the home of the Lobo track and field program since 1985. The stadium is a multifunction, 5,000-seat facility that was renovated in the summer of 1996 to include a soccer field. The track is constructed of an all-weather, encapsulated surface called Versaturf.

Since taking control of the track and field program in 2001, Matt and Mark Henry have injected new life into the stadium. Local fans and alumni alike have returned to the track to catch the Henry's promising, homegrown teams in action. Each year, the Lobos welcome some of the region's top teams for the annual Don Kirby Memorial Invitational. New Mexico has hosted the 2003 Mountain West Conference Outdoor Championships and the 1996 Western Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships. The venue has also been the longtime home of the elite Great Southwest Track & Field Classic, one of the nation's premier postseason high school invitationals.

The 400-meter track is composed of eight racing lanes and includes a steeplechase water-jump. To bolster performances, sprints can be run in either direction to negate the effects of unfavorable weather. The two long jump/triple jump runways, two pole vault runways and a high jump apron are also of Versaturf construction. They are located behind the goals of the soccer field, allowing competitors to compete in an east or west direction. The improvements to the facility also include the installation of lights, giving UNM the opportunity to host night meets. Renovations are underway to expand the field event areas and add seating. With a new track surface slated to be laid down in the summer of 2006, the Great Friends of UNM Track Stadium will soon be among the finest venues in the West.

The opportunity to train and compete year-round in Albuquerque, gives Lobo athletes an extra advantage. With its mile-high elevation, more than 300 days of sunshine a year and legendary reputation, Albuquerque is a favorite training location for some of the world's top track and field athletes. The world class training environment and facilities at UNM provide an opportunity for exceptional running and field event performances.

Directions

Located just east of University Stadium, the UNM Track-Soccer Complex can be easily accessed by exiting off I-25, just south of the Big-I, at Avenida Cesar Chavez. Head east on Avenida Cesar Chavez. After crossing University Boulevard, the UNM track-soccer complex is located on the right, just past University Stadium.